What is Metacognition and Why Does it Count? (+ Top Tips!)

When it comes to learning, it’s not just about what we know — it’s about how we think. Children who understand how they learn best are more confident, independent, and resilient. This is where metacognition comes in.

Metacognition might sound like a big word, but it’s simply the ability to think about our thinking. And according to educational research, it’s one of the most powerful tools we can give children to help them succeed.

What is Metacognition?

At its heart, metacognition means being aware of your own thought processes. It involves planning how to approach a task, monitoring progress, and reflecting afterwards.

For example:

• Before tackling a maths problem, a child might ask: “What strategies do I know that could help?”

• While working, they might pause and think: “Is this working, or should I try another method?”

• Afterwards, they reflect: “What went well, and what could I do differently next time?”

  
  

This cycle of plan → monitor → reflect is what makes metacognition so powerful.

Why Does Metacognition Count?

Research shows metacognition is one of the most effective ways to improve learning. In fact, the Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) found that teaching metacognitive strategies can add up to 7 months of progress in a single year (EEF, 2018).

Here’s why it matters:

• Boosts independence – Children take ownership of their learning.

• Improves problem-solving – They adapt when strategies don’t work.

• Builds resilience – Mistakes become feedback, not failures.

• Raises achievement – Evidence consistently links metacognition to higher attainment.

  
  

Top Tips to Grow Metacognition

Here are some simple ways you can encourage metacognitive thinking at home or in the classroom:

1. Ask: “What do I know already?”: Starting with prior knowledge gives children a strong foundation.

2. Plan before acting: Encourage them to think: What steps should I take? What resources might I need?

3. Pause and check: Mid-way through, ask: Is this working? Do I need to adjust my strategy?

4. Reflect afterwards: Reflection questions could be: What went well? What could I try differently next time?

5. Model your thinking aloud: Let children hear you explain your thought process: “This seems tricky, so I’m going to break it into smaller steps.”

   
   

Everyday Examples

Metacognition shows up in lots of small, everyday moments:

• A child deciding how to solve a maths problem step by step.

• Noticing a reading strategy isn’t working and switching to another one.

• Planning how to tackle homework before starting.

• Reflecting on what went well (and what to improve) after football practice.

  
  

Final Thoughts

Metacognition is a mindset for life.

By learning to think about how they think, children grow into resilient, independent, and confident learners.

So next time a challenge pops up, try asking:

👉 What’s my plan?

👉 How’s it going?

👉 What can I learn from this?

That’s metacognition in action — and it really does count.

✨ Want to support your child further?

• Explore our Reading Skills Course for KS2 children and build confident, independent readers.

• Join the waiting list for our upcoming Maths Mastery Pathway to help your child plan, check, and reflect on their problem-solving.

• Subscribe to our newsletter for more tips on mindset, metacognition, and learning strategies.

  
  

References

• Education Endowment Foundation (EEF). (2018). Metacognition and Self-Regulated Learning Guidance Report.

• Dignath, C., & Büttner, G. (2008). Components of Fostering Self-Regulated Learning among Students: A Meta-Analysis on Intervention Studies at Primary and Secondary School Level. Metacognition and Learning, 3, 231–264.